Monk: Public broadcasting benefits our community

Is public broadcasting still relevant in a media landscape with hundreds of radio and television channels? As president and CEO of the Community Idea Stations, I feel compelled to share how public radio and public television continue to be unique and how the programs positively impact the community.

Our programs are designed to make a positive impact on the quality of life for the communities we serve. Our mission is to use the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire. We focus on the arts, telling the stories of our region, raising awareness about the importance of science, keeping people informed and supporting teachers and parents as they prepare our children for the future.

We are a non-commercial entity that exists to benefit the community. Our content decisions are not swayed by advertising dollars. The argument that, as a result of public funding, we have an unfair competitive advantage is simply not justified. To the contrary, public funding along with community support allows there to be a distinct choice that is in the best interests of our community.

Every week, we reach 300,000 people in central Virginia. We are strategically positioned to make a difference and that plays out time and again.

•Since our founding, we have worked to support teachers. We meet quarterly with representatives of teachers in central Virginia to determine best use of the technical services and educational video we provide to help lessons come to life in K-12 classrooms. Today, our coverage area includes 44 school districts and more than 450 schools.

•Every children's program we air — "Sesame Street," "Curious George," "Clifford the Big Red Dog" and more — is designed with a learning objective in mind and is continually measured for effectiveness against that objective. These programs are available to those who have cable or satellite — and to those who don't.

•Our news programs provide in-depth coverage and explore the issues in a way that is designed to present all sides.

•We provide a consistent local, statewide and national platform for our elected officials, including in-depth news coverage of issues related to legislation, and production and broadcast of debates for state senatorial and gubernatorial races.

•We work in concert with community partners to ensure citizens are informed on local initiatives that affect their lives, such as our work with the Capital Region Collaborative, for which we provided a prime-time television viewing opportunity, allowing viewers to provide feedback on this set of regional priorities.

•We contribute to economic development when we draw attention to the offerings of our commonwealth. Our ability to secure nationwide distribution of local documentaries, such as last year's "Vintage," helped raise awareness of the talent available through the Virginia film Industry and promote tourism for attractions provided by the Virginia wine industry.

•We produce historical documentaries that tell Virginia's stories. By showcasing them locally, we provide historical context for our lives as Virginians. By making them available to public television stations across the country, we provide a national stage for the history of the commonwealth. Then we go a step further and tie these stories to the Virginia SOLs, transforming them into tools for teachers to bring Virginia's history to life for their students.

•We are committed to the arts, augmenting outstanding PBS and NPR offerings with a rich set of local content that is not available elsewhere. Our longstanding partnership with the Richmond Symphony and our role as a key media partner for the Richmond Folk Festival have grown dramatically over the years. Through live broadcasts, we expand their audiences and draw greater attention to the wealth of talent in our community.

•With the help of a Science Leadership Team, we focus our efforts around getting children interested in science, raising awareness, sustainability, new medical technologies and innovation in our community.

•Programs like "Virginia Currents" connect Virginians to issues, places and each other with in-depth reporting and award-winning journalism. Hourlong "Virginia Currents" specials raise awareness about resources in the community for domestic-violence victims, green affordable housing and more.

Our company began in 1964 when a group of community leaders led by Thomas Boushall recognized television's ability to be used as a powerful tool for teachers. Today, we go far beyond the classroom. Our programming is educational, intelligent and enriching. It inspires positive behavior and healthy debate that moves our community forward. Perhaps most importantly, it's accessible to all.

At a time when media have more power than ever, it is important to preserve the only media choice solely focused on using its reach and resources for the public good.